A photoelectric sensor, or photoeye, is a device used to detect the distance, absence, or presence of an object by using a light transmitter (often infrared) and a photoelectric receiver. They are used extensively in industrial manufacturing. There are three functional types: opposed (a.k.a. through-beam), retroreflective, and proximity-sensing.

The goal of this site is to provide technical resources and further aid in the selection of sensors offered at Digi-Key. Our offering includes acceleration, inclination, navigational, current, environmental, imaging, liquid, positioning, pressure, force, and temperature sensors. Featured Article - Capacitive touch sensors operate in noisy, challenging environments.